I’ve been a Costco member for 18 years. And before the COVID-19 pandemic, I’m not even sure I knew that Costco had a website.
Well, okay, I knew that Costco.com existed, but I’m not sure I ever used it. And why would I when I could easily drive the 10 to 15 minutes to not one, but two Costco stores in my area?
Once the pandemic took hold, I, like many people I know, got into the temporary habit of ordering groceries and household items online. But outside of that period, Costco.com isn’t a site I visit despite being a huge fan of Costco itself. Here’s why.
1. The prices are higher
One of the reasons I love Costco so much is that it helps me save money in the course of feeding my family and keeping my home stocked with the supplies we go through regularly, like tissues and laundry detergent.
I’m also able to maximize my savings by using the right credit card for my purchases. Click here for a list of the best credit cards for Costco.
The problem with Costco.com is that the prices are higher than what I typically see in stores. And that makes sense, since the cost of shipping and handling is often built in. But the way I see it, why should I pay $2 to $3 more per item I’m buying when the store is close enough?
If I’m buying 12 items at a time, that extra per-item cost could amount to $24 to $36 per week. And even though my minivan guzzles gas, the short trip to Costco doesn’t cost me nearly that much in fuel.
2. I want the freshest stuff
During the pandemic, I was grateful for the option to have fresh food from Costco delivered to my door. But let’s be real — when you order fresh groceries to be delivered, you’re generally not getting the best sell-by dates or the freshest stuff. And that’s especially a problem when you’re buying things in bulk.
It’s one thing to buy a huge carton of strawberries that look fantastic the day you bring them home, only to have them start to mold a couple of days later. It’s another thing to have someone deliver a carton that already looks like it’s seen better days.
Freshness can be an issue with non-perishables, too. If I’m buying a massive tub of peanut butter pretzels, I want the best expiration date and the most time to use it up.
If I buy that item at a Costco store, I can compare sell-by dates on the shelf. If I order it online, I’m at the mercy of the person who’s fulfilling my order.
3. I actually enjoy going to Costco and seeing what’s in stock
The thing I probably enjoy the least about shopping at Costco in person is the crowds. I try to mitigate those by arriving at the store as soon as it opens, but sometimes, even that strategy fails.
But despite the crowds, I happen to enjoy going to Costco and seeing what the store has in stock. Even though I’m there almost every week, I’m often surprised — in a good way — by the new products I see on the shelves.
Of course, if I’m not careful, that could lead to a host of impulse purchases. So I set a rule for myself: I plug a small amount of money into my Costco budget for unplanned buys each month. As long as I stick to that threshold, it doesn’t hurt my finances. And sometimes, the items I buy on a whim end up being fantastic purchases.
In September, I grabbed a fall-themed trail mix that’s proven to be a terrific snack when I need a pick-me-up. And a few years back, I found a branded fleece sweatshirt with my favorite hockey team’s logo that I’ve worn repeatedly every winter since.
If you live far away from your closest Costco store or don’t have a car, then it makes sense to shop on Costco.com. Otherwise, consider doing your Costco shopping in person to maximize your membership. It could help you save more money and guarantee that you’re bringing home fresher grocery items.
